Day 22 - Kensington Porter

 More familiarly known as "Kenny", this longhaired dachshund is the latest commission in my Barktober line-up.  His mom found my artwork in Godfrey's, Welcome to Dogdom in Mohnton, PA (a wonderful all-things-canine mecca) and contacted me to paint this sweetie.  I am always honored to paint other people's beloved pets, and equally happy to do it because dogs and cats are generally a lot of fun to paint.  I feel sometimes as if I kind of get to know them by spending a few hours so near them.  :) I loved Kenny's tri-colored coat and soulful eyes.. Black fur is especially fun to paint because there is always unexpected hidden color.

There are still 9 days left in Barktober to commission me to paint your sweetie :) More information is below and you can contact me by clicking here. Thank you!

Kenny, 8"x8", oil on cradled panel, Sold

Day 17 - Kate

 Today's painting is one that commemorates a beloved pet. I am always so honored to be able to create something to help remember a pet by and strive to bring personality and love to the portrait.  Kate was a beautiful tabby who had hidden pinks in her fur and blue eyes and was just a joy to paint <3  Her owner contacted me shortly after she passed away to ask if I could paint this special painting and after going through several images, she chose this view of Kate.  I loved painting this angle as it makes you feel like you are at eye level and maybe even laying on the same cushion together. <3

Kate, Oil on cradled panel, 8"x8", sold

Barktober commission specials run through the end of this month. 
Contact me here if you'd like more information.

Day 11- Feeling Mello

 Today's painting was commissioned by a very sweet woman who is additionally a devout dog lover.  She has had me paint several of her furry friends and this painting will be given as a gift to her Aunt and Uncle who own this handsome pup, Mello.  My patron found out that Mello is sick and he may not have long to live so she wanted to give her Aunt and Uncle something to remember Mello by.  I do so appreciate that people come to me to paint such special paintings and it is not lost on me how important their pets are to them.  The loss of a beloved pet is one of the hardest things to bear and I can't tell you how honored I am to create a portrait for people who are grieving so.  In any painting I create of a beloved pet I make a conscious effort to open my heart and pour love and care into the animal's expression and spirit within the painting.  With commemorative paintings like these, every brushstroke is that much more special.  Here is to Mello. While he is still with us on this earth, I do wish for him happiness, treats and many, many scratches and hugs.

"Mello", oil on cradled panel, 10"x10"

Sold

To commission me to paint your furry best friend, please contact me here. 

I am offering discounts on all of my commissions through the end of October.

Day 22 of the 28 in 28 - Emmy

 In between creating my own whimsical artwork I usually have a commission or 2 somewhere in progress.  This one, of the patron's late, beloved black lab, was just finished and delivered over the weekend.  Painting special and sometimes commemorative animal portraits is one of the best parts of my job.  I love being able to capture a pet's unique quirks and beauty and I am honored to create a painting that will be cherished for the feelings and memories it keeps alive.  This is Emmy. ♥

Her mom contacted me in early January asking if I could paint her lab who had just passed away as a present for her husband, who was missing her fiercely.  We worked together to find just the right pose and composition. When she saw the finished painting over the weekend, it brought tears to her eyes.. she told me that this was the best present she had gotten in her entire life.  And that was the gift to me, to know that I could help to ease a broken heart, even just a little.. ♥ ♥ ♥

"Emmy", 8"x8", oil on cradled panel
Sold

Getting ready for Godfrey's

I will be doing a "Meet the Artist" event this coming Saturday at a wonderful shop called Godfrey's - Welcome to Dogdom.  It is located in Mohnton, PA in a converted farmhouse and is true to its namesake.  If you have a dog, then Godfrey's is for you. They carry all things dog and all the things they carry are high quality, unique and truly unmatched by any big box store you could go to. I met the amazing owner of this place, Barb Emmett, a few months ago and she graciously invited me to come on out to do a painting demo and meet the artist event. Very exciting! In addition to the demo, I will have other paintings, matted prints and cards available for sale.  And, in celebration, I am offering 2 specials! If you reserve a commission with me the day of the event, I will frame it for free, (a savings of $45-$65), and, if you sign up for my mailing list, you will be entered to win a matted print of one of my many dog paintings! 

 Below is one of the brand new framed paintings that I'm bringing along for sale. It can be yours if you love it and have to have it! :)

Summer Tanager on Terrier, oil, 6"X6", $90

The prep for an event like this is no small thing, but it is exciting none-the-less.  I have been busy, painting, making frames for new work I plan on bringing, matting lots of prints and packaging cards of my work, planning the demo I will be doing and of course letting everybody know all about it!  

If you live in the area and have a dog, this is a must do event.  Especially if you have always wanted to immortalize your pet in a fine oil painting pet portrait!  

Stop in Godfrey's Saturday, April 7th from 1-3. They are at 4267 New Holland Road, Mohnton, PA 19540. Their phone is 610-777-5755 in case you want more details. Hope to see you there!